ECU student Pema Chentsho says, "Every challenge, every decision, and every opportunity to lead has been a real-world application of what I’ve learned at university."
University is about opportunities.
The opportunity to explore possible careers.
To secure a degree qualification.
To make lifelong friends.
To join clubs and societies.
To establish networks.
And maybe to find work before you graduate.
But the thing about opportunities is this.
You have to grab them.
Grab them and use them to build a foundation for your future.
And there's no better role model for seizing opportunities than Pema Chentsho.
A busy student life
Pema is an international student from Bhutan who is studying a Master of Project Management and working as an intern on Edith Cowan University's city campus build project.
She is a great example of how you can do other things at university to shape your future.
That includes being Student Guild President, concierge at the Student Hub, Team Leader for Orientation Assistants at Joondalup Campus, a volunteer peer leader, a Tokyo City University Buddy Ambassador, and supporting ECU events like the International Cafe and the Bhutan–Australia conference.
Take a breath.
Outside of university life, Pema supports Spinal Talk, an organisation focused on spinal injury prevention and recovery, by assisting with event coordination and advocacy around fatigue and car accidents.
She also founded a student-led volunteering group called the Druk Support Network alongside other Bhutanese students across Perth.
Plus, Pema volunteers with the Association of Bhutanese in Perth.
But don't for one moment think that she's just trying to fill in her 'spare' time.
According to Pema, "Every challenge, every decision, and every opportunity to lead has been a real-world application of what I've learned at ECU.
"This is more than just a degree; it's an experience that shapes who you become."
Wow.
Always busy: Pema (third from right) working as an Orientation assistant to welcome new students at ECU's Joondalup Campus.
Sources of inspiration
Pema's parents have been her greatest inspiration.
"Though they never had the opportunity to complete their own education, they deeply understood its value—not only for individual growth but for the future of the community," she says.
"They made sure we received every opportunity they missed and supported us unconditionally. They've always upheld integrity and resilience, even during the toughest times."
Their continued advocacy for education, despite not having had the chance themselves, is something I carry with me every day.
Pema also cites His Majesty the King of Bhutan as another guiding light —his leadership, compassion, and vision for the country instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and service.
How to project manage your future
If you've read this far, you won't be surprised to learn that Pema has made use of the university's Career Services resources to help shape her career path.
That included attending workshops on networking, building her personal brand, and using LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals.
Before ECU, Pema completed a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Royal University of Bhutan.
She was then awarded a prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship by the European Union, which gave her the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal.
She then joined Nokia as a Telecommunications Engineer, working in network planning and optimisation across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G infrastructures.
This experience she says allowed her to apply her technical knowledge on an international scale and sparked her growing interest in project management and strategy.
Pema with the Vice-Chancellor of ECU, Professor Clare Pollock after delivering an address at the Vice-Chancellor's Investiture ceremony.
A leader has arrived
Which leads us back to the here and now.
As if Pema's highlights reel wasn't already overflowing, she has recently delivered speeches at major university events, including the Vice-Chancellor's Investiture, in front of senior leadership and distinguished guests.
Standing on that stage, representing students at the highest level, was both a privilege and a defining moment in my leadership journey.
We'll leave the last word to Pema.
"My passion lies in turning ideas into action and making a tangible difference.
"I want to use my project management skills to drive positive change, solve complex challenges, and bring people together to work toward a shared vision."
A new leader has arrived!
